This novel is primarily about relationships rather than murder so don't dismiss it if you're not into true crime (like I almost did). It's a quick but impactful read and an excellent palate cleanser to cure a reading slump.

The story centers around Korede and Ayoola, two young single sisters living in present-day Lagos, Nigeria. Secondary characters are the people in their lives - family members, coworkers, and Ayoola's boyfriends. Oh those boyfriends ...

Very short chapters and a fresh writing style help the story move along quickly - I wanted to read "just one more chapter" to see what happens next. I'm eager to read Oyinkan Braithwaite's next creation.

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What lengths would you go to, to protect the one you love? And how do you decide which "one you love" is worth protecting ....?

This is another novel that wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. Cover art, description and blurbs by (admiring ... always admiring) other authors might suggest that this is "Bridget Jones, with knives." A laff-riot, as the most put-upon big sister in Lagos, Nigeria finally develops a back-bone to protect the man she loves from the craziest sister in Crazytown ...

And ..... no. I'm not sure whether the people at the publishing company either didn't read the book, past the first 30 or 40 pages, or whether they are to be admired for actively misleading potential readers, but no -- that's not exactly what happens at all.

That's what it isn't -- what it is, is a touching story of sisterly devotion, and shared trauma. A fascinating look at life in modern Lagos, Nigeria (a country which, sadly, gets some terrible press, what will all those Princes trying to share their millions with us ...), told from the perspective of one for whom it's all -- the beauty, the flavours, the language. The corruption, the dark traditions and the strength of family ties -- not "exotic" but just, y'know, life.

AND it's a hoot. Even at it's darkest moments, it's a light, bright funny read.

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